Tributes to Eric, a gentleman and loyal Leeds United fan

Moving tributes have been paid to Leeds United Supporters' Club stalwart Eric Carlile following his death at the age of 89.
Eric Carlile, pictured in 2008.Eric Carlile, pictured in 2008.
Eric Carlile, pictured in 2008.

Retired export manager Eric, who served as secretary of the supporters’ club for 50 years until 2008, died peacefully on Friday afternoon after a short illness.

The club’s current co-chairman and treasurer, Phil Beeton, said today: “He was a top man and we are all missing him like hell.

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“He helped so many people over the years with tickets, advice and so on. Nothing was too much trouble for him.”

Eric Carlile with United star Chris Fairclough.Eric Carlile with United star Chris Fairclough.
Eric Carlile with United star Chris Fairclough.

Many United fans took to social media over the weekend to pay tribute to Eric, who lived in Holbeck.

Writing about him on Twitter, David Purvis said: “A gentleman who went out of his way to help supporters clubs and ordinary fans throughout the world. The man was also Leeds to the core.”

Rob Endley, meanwhile, tweeted: “RIP Eric Carlile the epitome of all that was great about our club & fans.”

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The first Leeds game that Eric attended was a fixture against York City in 1943.

Eric Carlile, Ray Fell and Harry Butler from the Leeds United Supporters' Club with Don Revie and Ian Snodin in 1986.Eric Carlile, Ray Fell and Harry Butler from the Leeds United Supporters' Club with Don Revie and Ian Snodin in 1986.
Eric Carlile, Ray Fell and Harry Butler from the Leeds United Supporters' Club with Don Revie and Ian Snodin in 1986.

He became assistant secretary of the supporters’ club in 1958 before taking on the secretary role later that year.

He was made vice president of the organisation after stepping down as secretary a decade ago.

Eric famously appeared on the front cover of the Radio Times ahead of the start of the 1970-71 season when the magazine asked supporters from various clubs for their thoughts on how the campaign would go.